THE PHONETIC ALPHABET
Communicating with DEAF and HARD of HEARING People
It has been stated that for accuracy in communication, it should be considered vital that every radio or telephone operator is fluent in the phonetic alphabet.
When talking over the radio or telephone, it can be almost impossible to distinguish between 'F' and 'S','N' and 'M', or 'B' and 'P'.
To ensure accuracy, a name or uncommon word may be spelled out using a word for each letter. This technique originated in the First World War. The example used to illustrate the need for such a system was when a message reputedly started out in the trenches as "Send reinforcements, we are going to advance" but ended up at Battalion HQ as "Send three and fourpence, we are going to a dance"!
The examples below are the current system, introduced in 1955 for NATO Forces, replacing the 2nd World War system. Originally used only for military purposes, because of its success, it is now used for all marine and aeronautical radio and the police network, throughout the World.
Note that when spelling out a word phonetically, it is essential to say "I SPELL" before beginning, thus giving the signal for the recipient to reach for pencil and paper!
|
|
|
|
